I have had problems with aneurisms for years, commencing with an aortic aneurism corrected approximately 19 years ago (very successful) with no subsequent problems. Three years ago I had problems with severe pain in my left leg which resulted in a femoral bypass.
In May 2002, with similar problems, it was found that the femoral bypass was severely clotted and required immediate repair. An attempt was made to remove the clots, clean the bypass, and repair the problems. Unfortunately this procedure failed requiring a new bypass through the groin area and in the final analysis required three interventions from which I am currently recovering.
Unfortunately during the process it was discovered that I now have a "descending thoracic aortic aneurism", which supposedly is very rare, and as a consequence very few statistics. This at the Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico and as per my vascular surgeon, Dr. Dale Strawn. The aneurism was approximately 5.5 centimeters.
Is there any any information which can be provided me with reference to this problem, recommendations and or suggestions which you may assist me with. I understand that this is the principal artery that provides the blood flow to my spinal cord, and that the principal problem may be the clamping of these "arteries" for too long a time and resulting in paralysis.
I would sincerely appreciate any assistance, direction, or course of action. I am 74 years old, was, for years a smoker, and am considered strong and relatively quite healthy otherwise.